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7mm-08 or 25-06 X-Bolt?

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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 7mm-08 or 25-06 X-Bolt?
    Posted: March/04/2009 at 21:55
I'm thinking of buying a long range rifle for deer hunting. I want something light and easy to shoot as I get older, maybe an X-Bolt Stainless in 7mm-08 or 25-06, what do you recommend in both caliber and rifle and why?
Thanks,
Sam

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rifle looney View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2009 at 22:53
Both are wonderful I like 25s just cuz, the only difference in the two are velocities and short and long actions with the 25 you can load or buy lighter bullets. either one would be a good choice. personally I would choose a 260 over the 7-08


Edited by rifle looney - March/04/2009 at 22:57
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 01:05

Yes the .260 Rem would be a fine choice that 6.5mm bullet has superior balistic coeffecient.

Good Call  It's not a really common round but it certainly should be.  If you are not a reloader you might just stay with .308 due to ammo availability - it may be hard to find right now but there is a lot of it out there.  I doubt there is a significant difference in recoil between the .308   7mm 08  and 260 Rem as they are all based on the same case and bullet weights can vary significantly as can powder charges. It also is really easy to find a good quality rifle in a .308   I think the Savage 10FP 20 inch barrel tactical is awesome but considering the political climate I would reccomend  a stainless gun. Ruger seems to have a nice solid rifle with a very solid extractor but for a little more you can find a Tika or Sako. The Sako style extractor on these is quite good. I did not have good luck with a Winchester extractor and while I like Remmington I think you are more likely to find a stainless gun in a Ruger or a Tika/Sako.



Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - March/05/2009 at 01:08

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 04:07
I agree! Something light and easier to carry around in the field as we get older is much better.
 
As an owner of one, I happen to have considerable experience with a 16.5" barreled Ruger compact, available for `09 in the 260 Remy and in the 7mm/08, which are two ideal cartridges for deer.
 
There is no better, quicker handling and easier to carry bolt rifle on the planet than the Ruger compacts. Long range, short range, mountains, open plains, in the brush or timbers, or as a truck gun, the Ruger would make an excellent choice. As mine, the more recent Rugers over the last 3-5 years are very accurate. The new LC6 triggers are sweet too.
 
The little secret is, that regardless of the cartridge chosen in the Ruger compact and given the same ammo or identical reloads, the shorter 16.5" tube (31% shorter than a 24" er), only loses 4.5% in overall velocity vs a full sized 24" barrel. No deer or any game hunted at any shooting distance will ever know that 4.5% difference. A great trade off in return for hours of carrying enjoyment and great handling in the field.  My own chrony results prove that as well as Dick Metcalf`s chrony results which I can reference. His test rifle was a 7mm/08 Mk2 Frontier, which in appearance only, is just like my Frontier which is chambered in the 300 WSM.
 
My friend who has loved mine for almost two years, just got his new stainless 300 RCM compact Hawkeye which I played with for an hour. Too powerful maybe for your needs, but what a great, fast handling easy and wonderful carrying piece. 
 
Once you go do some hiking and climbing with one of these,,,you`ll get spoiled...I know!   
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote swtucker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 06:52

I really like a 7mm-08.  If you reload then the .260 is probably better, if you don't reload the ammo selection is not near that of a 7mm-08.  I owned both calibers in the same rifle and found the recoil to be the same.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 09:08
The biggest factor in flattening trajectory to 400 yards or so is muzzle velocity, not ballistic coefficient. The higher BC of 6.5mm bullets doesn't really begin to make a difference until around 500 yards, and even this it is minimal. Since a 7mm-08 can get at least 100 fps more muzzle velocity over the .260 with any given bullet weight, the 7-08 will shoot a little flatter over normal hunting ranges. Plus, ammunition for the 7mm-08 is widely available, while .260 ammo is often hard to find.
 
I like the 6.5s myself, and always have at least a couple hunting rifles in 6.5mm chamberings. But let's not get carried away with theory on their superiority.
 
Personally, for a light-weight deer rifle I would go with the .25-06. A good 100-grain bullet at 3200-3350 (depending on whether you use factory or handloads) will shoot flatter than any of the other calibers mentioned, and kill any deer that walks--and often quicker than heavier bullets at slower velocities.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 09:39
  +1 although we've settled lately on the 115 Partition as a do all for my sons Mod70 .25-06 its trajectory when we used  100gr Solid Base bullets duplicated my .300 with 150gr SB's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 09:57
Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

I agree! Something light and easier to carry around in the field as we get older is much better.
 
As an owner of one, I happen to have considerable experience with a 16.5" barreled Ruger compact, available for `09 in the 260 Remy and in the 7mm/08, which are two ideal cartridges for deer.
 
There is no better, quicker handling and easier to carry bolt rifle on the planet than the Ruger compacts. Long range, short range, mountains, open plains, in the brush or timbers, or as a truck gun, the Ruger would make an excellent choice. As mine, the more recent Rugers over the last 3-5 years are very accurate. The new LC6 triggers are sweet too.
 
The little secret is, that regardless of the cartridge chosen in the Ruger compact and given the same ammo or identical reloads, the shorter 16.5" tube (31% shorter than a 24" er), only loses 4.5% in overall velocity vs a full sized 24" barrel. No deer or any game hunted at any shooting distance will ever know that 4.5% difference. A great trade off in return for hours of carrying enjoyment and great handling in the field.  My own chrony results prove that as well as Dick Metcalf`s chrony results which I can reference. His test rifle was a 7mm/08 Mk2 Frontier, which in appearance only, is just like my Frontier which is chambered in the 300 WSM.
 
My friend who has loved mine for almost two years, just got his new stainless 300 RCM compact Hawkeye which I played with for an hour. Too powerful maybe for your needs, but what a great, fast handling easy and wonderful carrying piece. 
 
Once you go do some hiking and climbing with one of these,,,you`ll get spoiled...I know!   
 
 
 



LaughSqueeze, did you cut and paste that from a Ruger ad? 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunter12345 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 10:25
I have the Kimber Montana in stainless 7mm-08 and find it to be an excellent lightweight rifle and light recoil with Remington 140 Nosler partitions.The rifle is made in Yonkers NY and fit and finish are top notch.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BillyWayne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 10:31
You need to also consider the length of action.  Do you want a standard or short action?  Currently I have only 1 standard action and it is a 6.5x55 that I use for deer hunting.  Everything else I have are shorts (308, 243, etc).
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 10:54
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

I agree! Something light and easier to carry around in the field as we get older is much better.
 
As an owner of one, I happen to have considerable experience with a 16.5" barreled Ruger compact, available for `09 in the 260 Remy and in the 7mm/08, which are two ideal cartridges for deer.
 
There is no better, quicker handling and easier to carry bolt rifle on the planet than the Ruger compacts. Long range, short range, mountains, open plains, in the brush or timbers, or as a truck gun, the Ruger would make an excellent choice. As mine, the more recent Rugers over the last 3-5 years are very accurate. The new LC6 triggers are sweet too.
 
The little secret is, that regardless of the cartridge chosen in the Ruger compact and given the same ammo or identical reloads, the shorter 16.5" tube (31% shorter than a 24" er), only loses 4.5% in overall velocity vs a full sized 24" barrel. No deer or any game hunted at any shooting distance will ever know that 4.5% difference. A great trade off in return for hours of carrying enjoyment and great handling in the field.  My own chrony results prove that as well as Dick Metcalf`s chrony results which I can reference. His test rifle was a 7mm/08 Mk2 Frontier, which in appearance only, is just like my Frontier which is chambered in the 300 WSM.
 
My friend who has loved mine for almost two years, just got his new stainless 300 RCM compact Hawkeye which I played with for an hour. Too powerful maybe for your needs, but what a great, fast handling easy and wonderful carrying piece. 
 
Once you go do some hiking and climbing with one of these,,,you`ll get spoiled...I know!   
 
 
 



LaughSqueeze, did you cut and paste that from a Ruger ad? 
.................Hell no! Ruger can`t do it as good as I can........Laugh
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 14:21
25-06      257 Weatherby    257 Roberts    250 Savage    25-284 Win       25 STW      1/4 bore
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CWT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 14:28
If deer are what you are after all that matters is what you like. There is basically no difference other than heavier bullets available in the 7mm.

7mm-08 120grain  3000ft/sec muzzle and 2223ft/sec @ 300yds. 1316ft-lbs @300yds

25-06 120 grain  2990ft/sec muzzle and 2252ft/sec @ 300 yds. 1351ft-lbs @ 300yds.

Factory Remington Ammo.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 15:58
I also like the 25.06 for longer ranges, its super fast and flat using 100-110 grain bullets.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 15:59

Thanks everyone, right now I'm leaning toward a 7mm-08 only because it has a short action and a shorter barrel but I haven't ruled out the 25-06 yet, IMHO John Barsness makes a compelling argument that the 25-06 may be a more versatile cartridge.

Sam

 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CWT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 19:12
I think the 7mm-08 is a more versatile round except if your going to be hunting predators. Now I ain't an expert but have been shooting critters for 36 yrs and I am an old man of  46 now. Bought my first 7mm-08 three years ago for my daughter( age 9 ) while in Ga to hunt with. I was so fond of it I had a semi-custom rifle made from a Winchester action. Together we have only shot 8 whitetails with the 7mm-08, but I've shot close to 30 piggys in GA in my last years before I moved back to NC. All were with 140 grain ballistic tips. Pigs don't like it, deer don't either! All piggys were 125lbs to 300lbs. Many shot in the shoulder quartering to me. Would the 25-06 worked as well? Yep. But with the biguns' I was glad I had the 140's. Long action, short action who cares really. Get what you want and be happy. They both work and work very well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 19:55
I am trying to decide the same thing in the same gun, 7mm-08 or 25-06.   (Unfortunately the 260 is not available in the X-Bolt.  I have a 260 and a 308 and the 308 definitely has more felt recoil in equally weighted guns.  I love the 260 and it pains me to say this but I'd choose a 7mm-08 over it because of ammo availability).  The 25-06 and 7mm-08 are about even as far as availability in both guns and ammo but it does seem the premium ammo is more commonly available with the 7mm-08.

The recoils tables I've seen show (in general) that with factory ammo the 25-06 will have slightly less felt recoil than the 7mm-08 but it's close.  B/C's are generally a lot better with the 7mm's but there is some factory 25-06 with higher B/C's.  But with the higher muzzle velocities of the 25-06 the result is flatter trajectories (with the higher B/C bullets).  It's not a huge advantage and some would argue that the heavier 7mm's bullets are more resistant to winds.

Action size could be the deciding factor between the two if both are available in the same gun.  My experience as been smoother cycling with standard actions than with short actions because of less bolt binding.  Ironically I've found that I can also work a standard action faster than a short action, especially when shouldered.  Subjectively (and I know this is ridiculously immaterial) I like the feel of a standard action cartridge in my hands.  It gives me a slight bit more confidence when I'm loading my 270 than my 260 or my 30-06 than my 308.

Barrel length and weight might be another factor.  My handloading buddies tell me a 25-06 needs a 24" barrel whereas a 22" is sufficient for a 7mm-08.  The 7mm-08 is superior with shorter barrels.  Big Squeeze seems to be the expert on barrel length.  He's the man when it comes to the RCM's or really short barrels like the 16.5" versions.  If you want a really handy rifle I'd defer to him.  But if you're comparing the 24"/22" barrels above the deciding factor could be that the 7mm-08 would be about 2.5" shorter (and have slightly less weight).

Then there's bullet weight.  Some would argure that the 25-06 straddles the varmint/big game category with bullets topping out around 120 grains.  The 7mm-08 ammo I almost always see is 140 grain.  Is 20 grains that big of a difference?  Some think so.  If I was hog hunting I'd rather have a 140 grain 7mm bullet than a 120 grain 25 caliber bullet.  But for whitetail the 25 caliber 100 grain bullets and above are perfectly adequate.  The 7mm-08 might be more versatile as a big game caliber but SamC wants a deer gun.  I'd choose the 25-06.

Edited by timber - March/05/2009 at 19:57
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 20:05
Timber well said.    I too am in the market been toying around making or buying a long distance shooter   I already own a 7x57,308, 250 imp. .  .was thinking on a 6.5-284 or an other 308 but now I think I going to go with the 25-06 or the 257 Weatherby I really like the 25 caliber rounds 100gr/115gr are plenty for deer and pigs and you can go 75gr/85gr on coyotes and prairie dogs.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CWT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2009 at 20:26
I still say what apple do you want? Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, or Wine Sap? Ain't much difference. What ever you like.
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